Google Ventures' European arm takes stake in Kobalt, FT reportsGoogle Ventures' European unit has led a $60M investment round in Kobalt, a music technology company that helps songwriters collect fees from outlets like YouTube and Spotify, The Financial Times reports. Reference Link

Google to place ads in Google Play, may break up Google+, Forbes saysGoogle's product czar, Sundar Pichai, said the company will begin showing ads for apps in Google Play, and may break Google+ into pieces, according to Forbes. The company also plans new initatives in payments, commerce and enterprise apps, and would welcome the chance to reenter the Chinese market, Forbes quoted the executive as saying. Reference Link

Samsung ranks first in 2014 EU patent applicationsThe European Patent Office reports that Samsung (SSNLF) was ranked first in number of European patent applications for 2014 with 2,541 applications filed. Philips (PHG) took second place with 2,317, Siemens (SIEGY) took third with 2,133, BASF (BASFY) took sixth with 1,530, Qualcomm (QCOM) took seventh with 1,459, Ericsson (ERIC) took ninth with 1,347, and Intel (INTC) took 10th with 1,054 applications filed.

Dish could consider partnering with Google in wireless, The Information saysAccording to The Information, Dish Network (DISH) is likely to play a large role in the telecommunications industry in the coming years, and could look to form a partnership with Google (GOOG), something the companies have previously discussed. Though Google did not bid in the most recent auction of wireless spectrum, sources say Google executive Milo Medin, considered a bid. Reference Link

Google unifies two separate European units, Financial Times reportsGoogle is unifying its two separate European arms following a more challenging and combative regulatory landscape, reports the Financial Times. Matt Britain, who had led the company's northern and western arm, will take over the running of the new business. Britain said the structure would allow the company to better respond to local conditions and opportunities. Reference Link

YouTube revenue growing but did not contribute to earnings, WSJ reportsGoogle's YouTube posted 2014 revenue of $4B although it did not contribute to earnings, reports the Wall Street Journal, according to two people familiar with its financials. One step that may hope to boost viewership include playing more videos automatically, a feature that is expected to roll out shortly. Reference Link

Google introduces Android for Work programThe company said on its Official Blog: "Over a billion people today carry Android smartphones -- devices that are more powerful than the computers we used just a few years ago. For many, these phones have become essential tools to help us complete important work tasks like checking email, editing documents, reviewing sales pipelines and approving deals. But for the majority of workers, smartphones and tablets are underutilized in the workplace. Their business and innovation potential remain largely untapped. We're announcing the Android for Work program to tap into that potential. With a group of partners, we're helping businesses bring more devices to work by securing, managing and innovating on the Android platform... Together with a wide range of management, application and device makers, we believe the Android for Work program provides businesses and workers with the choice and flexibility they need to get things done at work." Reference Link

Google considering making investment in Jawbone, Re/code reportsGoogle is considering making a strategic investment in Jawbone, which makes wireless and wearable devices, sources tell Re/code. Jawbone has also been talking to other strategic investors, and the sources caution that talks with Google are preliminary. Reference Link